"Nine Fathers of Ariel is a work-in-progress; this next stage of its development is exciting to Graciela, Ellen, and me as we’ll be seeing it fully staged, incorporating movement," LaChiusa told Playbill.com. "Dance plays as a significant role as the music and lyrics do in this adaptation of Luisa Valenzuela’s beautiful story. What we learn from rehearsals this fall will lead us to the next step, whatever, wherever that might be."

LaChiusa's works include Giant, Hello Again, Marie Christine, The Wild Party, First Lady Suite, among others. Fitzhugh penned lyrics to the Broadway musical Grind, and contributed additional material to Juno and Diamonds. Daniele recently choreographed the Kander and Ebb musical The Visit at Williamstown. Her work includes The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Once on This Island, Ragtime and Chronicle of a Death Foretold.